Holiday Gift Guide day 4: $50-$100

 

  • Holiday Gift Guide day 4: $50-$100

    Posted by Huw, 04 Dec 2012 14:41. Filed under Miscellaneous.

    Day 4 of our Gift Guide, and I'll be considering sets in the $50-$100 price bracket. Sets of this price are likely to be a childs's main present from parents or grandparents, so they need a lot of 'bang for their buck' in terms of playability.

    The price range is also likely to appeal to AFOL spouses that want to buy their other half a LEGO gift, but without going overboard. So with these scenarios in mind, here are my choices today...

    For Children: 4440: Forest Police Station (US$80, £60)

    There are some very good sets that pack in a lot of playability in this price range, including 3185 Summer Riding Camp, 4204 The Mine and 5887 Dino Defence HQ to name just three.

    Having considered them all, in the end I chose the forest police station. 'Police' is an evergreen LEGO theme that, based on the fact that hardly a year goes by without a new police station of some sort, must be very popular. The forest theme added an interesting twist to this year's police sets and instead of more-of-the-same, we got something quite different and appealing.

    There's no shortage of playability in this set as I noted in my review earlier in the year. It's packed with vehicles, minifigs and even a bear. It's likely to be popular with boys and girls and will provide hours of play.

    For adults: 79003: An Unexpected Gathering ($70, £60)

    You will already know from my recent review that I consider this to be the one of the best sets ever, so it should come as no surprise that it's my choice for a gift for adults.

    Whatever type of AFOL you're buying for, they will appreciate this set: MOC-ers will find a great selection of pieces, minifig collectors will adore the six figures, and those that simply enjoy building a well designed set and proudly displaying it afterwards, will love it.

    It's a no-brainer, nothing comes close. But, if you think I've made the wrong choice, take a look at the list and let us know in the comments what you'd have chosen.

    Tomorrow, atkinsar, will look at $100-$150 price range, so come back again to find out what he has chosen.


    13 comments, latest one posted 5 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)
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Comments

Posted by CapnRex101 in United Kingdom, 04 Dec 2012 15:43

Having now got my hands on the Unexpected Gathering set, I have to agree, absolutely brilliant! The bear alone is enough to appeal to me in set 4440, and for young children it would surely be an even more attractive proposition. Personally however I have a real soft spot for the Mines of Moria set and while it is not really aimed at young children, it would come a close second to An Unexpected Gathering for adults.

Posted by Graysmith in Sweden, 04 Dec 2012 16:25

The Forest Police Station is a nice choice, though I'd put forth the Vampyre Castle and The Batcave as contenders if the kid is more into either of those kind of things. I'd also say The Batcave is a worthy alternate to the Unexpected Gathering if they're more into comic book heroes than fantasy.

Posted by piratemania7 in United States, 04 Dec 2012 16:58

I could not agree more for the adult set. I just got this today ( through amazon, free two day shipping and built it ). Man, I can't even begin to tell you! From the abundance of pieces, awesome figs, solid build and all around great quality and details this set by far is one of the best that the company has ever made. Easily wins today's gift guide "journey"....hahahahahahha.

Posted by Targellian in United Kingdom, 04 Dec 2012 17:56

For adults, I'd have to go for Technic set 9396 Helicopter, which is currently £59.99 at Smythes, so it JUST squeezes under the budget!

Posted by Isabella and Lego Liker in United States, 04 Dec 2012 17:59

@Last comment: Regular price is only 70 pounds, so it's well in the range for this post.

Posted by that guy from that show in United States, 04 Dec 2012 18:18

The TIE Fighter, X-Wing, and Quinjet would all be distant seconds. Those are all spectacular sets in their own right but fall short compared to the Hobbit Set.

Posted by Chompers in United Kingdom, 04 Dec 2012 18:33

Agree with @Targellian, the 9396 is a fab set. Sadly Technic sets do seem to be over looked which is a shame as I think many AFOL enjoy the build side of these sets and their kids love playing with them :)

4440 Will be a huge hit this Christmas with the kids, can't waith until Christmas morning ;)

Posted by Town in United States, 04 Dec 2012 18:51

How do we turn off the Holiday Gift Guide news? I don't see a category...

Posted by DaveBey in United States, 04 Dec 2012 18:57

"'Police' is an evergreen LEGO theme..."

^I see what you did there...

4440 is indeed a great set. Building it, I was blown away by the playability incorporated. There's just so much to do!

Posted by Huw in United Kingdom, 05 Dec 2012 03:39

^^ You have to put up with it I'm afraid...

Posted by LEGOMinifigures1997 in Netherlands, 05 Dec 2012 11:14

I totally agree with 79003, this set is one of the best sets ever! As a LEGO set collector, I really want this set. So much detail...

Posted by blounty23 in United Kingdom, 05 Dec 2012 15:05

Surely the best CHRISTMAS gift is 10229 Winter Village Cottage?

Posted by Town in United States, 06 Dec 2012 19:21

^^^Didn't realize it was going to end now, thought we'd get one every day until Christmas. I only like this time of the year so much...

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